Kathryn Birkeland, PhD

Dr. Kathryn Birkeland is the Ronald G. and Kaye S. Olson Dean of the NDSU College of Business. She joined NDSU in 2023 after nearly two decades as a professor of macroeconomics, earning recognition for both her teaching and research. A South Dakota native, she holds a Ph.D. in Economics from Arizona State University. Her expertise spans monetary economics, labor markets, and higher education finance. At NDSU, Dr. Birkeland has led initiatives to launch market-informed programs, expand online learning, and strengthen partnerships with industry across North Dakota and the region.